First things first: Wait, they’re having an NBA All-Star Game? In the midst of a pandemic? When the season is already so messy, and coaches and players are giving up so much already just to make it all work? Why not just … honor the good players with a nice video during games and move on?
Second things second: If there IS going to be a game, then you KNOW the players need to look good. Which explains why Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons had to hit their personal barber before tonight’s game.
Sadly that barber has now tested positive for Covid-19, and the 76ers stars will not be able to play.
Sixers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons were in contact with a barber who tested positive for COVID-19 in Philadelphia and are uncertain for today's All-Star Game, sources tell ESPN. Barber has been retested because of inconclusive initial test. They're waiting on results now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
Additional test has returned positive for the coronavirus on barber in contact with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, sources tell ESPN. League must make decision still, but it is highly unlikely Embiid and Simmons will be cleared to play today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 7, 2021
Statement from NBA on Sixers stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons not playing in today’s All-Star Game due to contact tracing after being exposed to individual who had a confirmed positive COVID test. pic.twitter.com/8ETQzWbrEM
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) March 7, 2021
Well, this is the way things go right now, I guess.
Let’s hope the barber stays healthy, and that Embiid and Simmons are, too. And that those vaccines roll out quickly.
